"He has found a relatively simple cocktail of common medications that seem to have application in human trauma," he said. "That has the potential to save lives in the military setting and rural settings.

"In a state as big as Queensland, where accidents and injuries occur many hours from medical treatment, that could be really important."

Dr Rice said the findings could change the "whole approach" to trauma care.

"The fruits of his research are very likely to go global if they deliver on what they promise," he said.

"It's exciting to know that such important research is being done on our doorstep."